Abuja Court Stops PDP 2025 National Convention in Ibadan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final order halting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its 2025 National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu delivered the judgment on Friday, following a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who complained that he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form for the office of National Chairman.
The court ruled that the PDP must comply with its own Constitution and Guidelines before holding the convention. Justice Lifu also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring, or recognizing the convention until Lamido is allowed to participate.
“The PDP is under strict obligation to adhere to its own rules and give eligible members opportunities to realize their aspirations,” Justice Lifu said, noting that Lamido’s exclusion amounted to a “crystal clear breach” of the party’s Constitution and guidelines.
This development follows an earlier court order by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, which restrained INEC from recognizing the outcome of the PDP convention. Justice Omotosho cited the PDP’s failure to hold congresses in several states, its issuance of notices without the National Secretary’s signature, and its failure to give the mandatory 21-day notice for meetings.
The legal challenges were brought by Lamido and three other aggrieved party members—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South)—represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joseph Daudu, SAN.
On November 11, Justice Lifu had issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding the convention, emphasizing that Lamido would suffer irreparable harm if excluded and highlighting the importance of due process in safeguarding democracy. The court further noted that Lamido had undertaken to pay damages should the suit be deemed frivolous.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu underscored that constitutional compliance and the rule of law are essential, warning that “anarchy would be the order of the day any time the court abdicates its constitutionally assigned functions.”
The PDP, which had intended to elect its national officers during the Ibadan convention, now faces legal and procedural hurdles that must be resolved before the event can proceed.